Nigerian clubs and Mamelodi Sundowns miss out as Wiliete, Colombe Sportive and FC Nouadhibou prepare for continental challenges
The 2026/27 CAF Champions League group-stage draw has thrown up an intriguing mix of African football heavyweights and emerging contenders, with Angolan side Wiliete, Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive and Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou among the 16 clubs set to compete for the continent’s premier club trophy.
The draw, conducted on Wednesday, October 28, has also highlighted the absence of Nigerian representatives, with Enugu Rangers failing to secure a place in the group stage alongside South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
Four groups of four teams were confirmed, setting up a series of high-profile continental encounters as the clubs begin their quest for a place in the knockout rounds.
Wiliete will make their debut in the Champions League group stage and face a demanding challenge in Group A, where they have been paired with Angolan rivals Petro Atlético, Tunisian heavyweights Espérance and Mauritanian side FC Nouadhibou.
The group presents Wiliete with an opportunity to establish themselves on the continental stage against opponents with varying levels of experience in African club competitions.
Zamalek, Young Africans headline competitive Group B
Group B promises compelling contests, with Egyptian giants Zamalek drawn alongside Tunisia’s Club Africain, Tanzanian champions Young Africans and Algeria’s MC Alger.
The combination brings together clubs with strong domestic followings and considerable continental ambitions, making qualification from the group a potentially difficult proposition.
Orlando Pirates face tough Group C test
South African heavyweights Orlando Pirates headline Group C, where they will meet Tanzania’s Simba SC, Morocco’s RS Berkane and Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive.
Colombe Sportive’s inclusion places the Cameroonian club among Africa’s 16 group-stage contenders, with matches against established continental sides offering a significant test of their credentials.
Orlando Pirates and Simba SC will be among the teams seeking to make their experience count, while RS Berkane will also target a strong campaign.
Pyramids, Al Hilal lead Group D battle
Group D features Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman, Morocco’s Maghreb de Fès, Guinea’s Horoya AC and Egyptian side Pyramids FC.
The quartet will compete for the two qualification places available from the group, with Pyramids and Al Hilal among the prominent names in a section that could produce closely contested encounters.
Full 2026/27 CAF Champions League group-stage draw
Group A
- Petro Atlético (Angola)
- Espérance (Tunisia)
- FC Nouadhibou (Mauritania)
- Wiliete (Angola)
Group B
- Zamalek (Egypt)
- Club Africain (Tunisia)
- Young Africans (Tanzania)
- MC Alger (Algeria)
Group C
- Orlando Pirates (South Africa)
- Simba SC (Tanzania)
- RS Berkane (Morocco)
- Colombe Sportive (Cameroon)
Group D
- Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan)
- Maghreb de Fès (Morocco)
- Horoya AC (Guinea)
- Pyramids FC (Egypt)
With the group-stage lineup confirmed, attention will now turn to the battle for quarter-final places and the clubs capable of sustaining a challenge for African football’s biggest club prize.
For Nigerian football, the absence of a representative is a major talking point, while Wiliete, Colombe Sportive and FC Nouadhibou will look to make their presence count among the continent’s leading 16 contenders.
